The Galleon Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) entity that provides financial scholarships to disadvantaged students in the US and Jamaica. The organization has been in operation for the past 5 years. To date, it has awarded scholarships totaling approximately $50,000 to students in the US and Jamaica. Their main focus is education and to ensure accessibility to a good education for all students despite their financial difficulties.

This week on People Profile we are fortunate to have Mr. Lindell G. Douglas Cfp, President and CEO of this Foundation.

Dr. C

Welcome to People Profile Lindell.

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

Nice Dr. C. Good to be here.

Dr. C

Absolutely Sir, could you please share with us the philosophy and scope of the Galleon Foundation.

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

Certainly, the Philosophy is to make a difference by doing our part helping one child at a time. We target the Caribbean and the USA inner city kids.

Dr. C

Yes Sir, how do you select which schools and what child to assist?

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

We start with the ones that we familiar with. The Foundation was started to give back to Kingston College where I attended high school. We initially sponsored three young men for four years but in our travels to Jamaica, we saw a need at other institutions. Johnson Mountain primary in St Thomas, Discovery Bay All-Age, and New Day in Barbican were to name a few. So we had no choice but to help out. We heard about a program called Impact Girls at Dillard Elementary and pitched in there also. Various pastors across the USA reached out to us about students in their Churches with a unique situation and asked if we have the funds to assist. As long as they meet the criteria then we help.

Last year we decided to start an annual scholarship of $5000 to FMU for Caribbean and African American students.

Dr. C

Wow! That’s awesome, In fact, $50,000 in 5 years is an excellent achievement. This must have required some serious commitment and hard work. What was your motivation Lindell?

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

Growing up poor and not having lunch money on many occasion, I decided that I should find a way to give back or to help others who might be in similar situations. I was fortunate to have friends who choose to share their lunch with me.

We are probably at $65,000 in scholarships from inception to date.

Dr. C

Yes I see, growing up in Jamaica and attending Camperdown back in the early eighties we had similar struggles, and so I applaud you. Two weeks ago my family and I had the opportunity to attend one of your event “The Caribbean Village”, in Lauderhill Florida and it was magnificent! This event brought members of the Caribbean community together in celebration of our rich heritage and culture. Please share with us Lindell, the future of this great unifying experience.

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

The Foundation presented the Caribbean Village as a way to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. Showcasing our culture in a positive light and to give our children a platform to express themselves while learning more about that which makes them “Caribbean”

Absolutely, my kids will not eat East Indian or Julie mangoes……which is not a bad thing because that means more for me! lol. Next week Sunday will be the Coronation of the Miss Jamaica Diaspora beauty pageant. Please provide some background on this event and share with us what should we expect.

https://www.facebook.com/missjamaicadiaspora/?pnref=story

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

Miss Jamaica Diaspora is a beauty pageant that will be used as a platform to educate and empower young ladies to become leaders and role models.

Dr. C, I had no idea that beautiful people sometimes have low self-esteem. My wife who has been doing pageant for over 10 years suggested to the Foundation that we should establish this pageant to mentor young ladies and help build their self-worth. The Coronation Show is July 24 at the Sunrise Civic Center and Theatre. We will crown a young lady to represent the diaspora and give back to her community by working in schools, with Food for the Poor and volunteering for other nonprofit organizations. This person will be a brand ambassador for the Galleon Foundation. The emphasis is sisterhood, and exposes these future leaders to the current leaders within our community. This is more than a beauty pageant, it’s a ministry.

Dr. C

So we can expect beauty with a purpose Lindell? Moving forward what does your annual calendar looks like?

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

Yes sir, the Foundation does four major events each year. July 24 Miss Jamaica Diaspora Coronation Show. November 4 7th Annual Scholarship Gala. March 24 Galleon Open Charity Golf Tournament and June 25 Caribbean Village Music, Arts, Food, and Wellness Festival plus running my Financial Advisory / Wealth Management practice. This is my 18th year as a financial advisor. God is good.

Dr. C

Great! This question might seem a little off but for what it’s worth, East Indian or Julie? I know that’s a tough one but please try as your manliness depends on it? lol

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

Dr. C you are a trip but I got to say Julie. Sorry to disappoint lol

Dr. C

Lol, Lindell, Julie mangoes are for the ladies and East Indian mangoes are for men! Real men! Lol…..

Lindell, it was certainly a pleasure having you with us on People Profile my brother walk good.

Lindell G Douglas Cfp

It was my pleasure Dr. C, I must tell you that your 2016 People Profile Awards was an excellent event and I will be there next year.